But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Tes 3:3
It is Christmas season and soon we will celebrate the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is so good to know the real reason of this celebration. When Latvia was under the Soviet regime we never celebrated Christmas. It was prohibited. Under Soviets we celebrated New Year’s Eve – decorated Christmas tree, exchanged gifts, watched TV...
Praise the Lord – things change! Since Latvia got back its independence we have a religious freedom. And there is a good and bad side to it. For generations our people didn’t know any religion but atheism, and now all kinds of religions are allowed in our country – Muslims are building their mosks, there are Hindu Buddhists and cults are allowed along with Christianity. Many people are searching for some type of spiritual life and this is why it is important that the Ministry of Talsi Christian School keeps its door opened because it is an opportunity to proclaim the Good News to Latvia. Spiritually our country is a very dark place – people are attending psychic studios, call spirits and there is a tradition that many hold on to : they have a ceremonial log that is drug along and burned in the end symbolizing that all bad thoughts and evil deeds are destroyed that way. This is pagan tradition that is still alive and even the president of Latvia participates in these activities...
I thank God that He saved me through His Son Jesus Christ and Christmas is celebration of the birth of Jesus to me and the students of TCS. Christmas is a season when people are called to help those who are poor and in need in special ways.
Students of TCS prepared a Christmas program and we invited people of Talsi for a charity concert. Last year donations of the concert were given to a little Russian girl from Ventspils who needed a surgery and didn’t have money for that. This year the economy is changed so radically that we asked people who attended the concert to bring a loaf of bread for soup kitchen in Talsi. We never thought that after 20 years of independence Latvia will be that poor that we will have a soup kitchen in our town... It was started in May and fed about 30 people a day. Today it feeds about 90 people a day – old people, unemployed, handicapped, sick... Life is getting so hard and unfair for the people in Latvia...
We have developed a special relationship with handicapped adults of our town and region. For years we have fellowship times with a program and food and people are glad to come to our school becaue they feel welcome and loved here. We always present the message of Salvation to our guests, our kids give them a program and our cooks prepare them a tasty meal.
Families with handicapped children are usually very poor and handicapped children are still not very accepted in our society. Last week handicapped children of Talsi came to our school and we spent an afternoon together – singing songs, baking Christmas cookies and having good time. Students of TCS have developed friendship with these children and this is why kids feel safe and welcome here. Elina my handicapped daughter after graduating from TCS volunteers at school – greets visitors, rings the bell and has other small duties. She was glad to make gift bags for her friends.
Before Christmas we went to the Kakishy orphanage. These orphans are coming for the Orphan camp in summers and they are longing for this camp already. The State gives orphans food, clothes, house and education but the State can’t provide love, care and touch... Orphans know that our students love and care for them and we had good time together.
We teach students of TCS to follow the Word : „…truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Math. 25:40). There is no much we can do but we try our best to bring Good news to people and help them in ways we can.
This year we started Alpha course. It is 12 week long program that helps people find answers on very basic questions about Christianity: Who is Jesus Christ? Why did He have to die on the Cross? How does Holy Spirit work? We have lectures, worship, prayer time, small group sharing every Monday night in TCS. Lecturers are pastors and evangelists from different churches; our teachers and students prepare food, provide babysitting and we have a good turnout – participants are parents and students, some staff workers and teachers of TCS along with people from our town. Bible says: the time has been shortened (1 Cor.7:29) but it is still time of His mercy and we try to use every opportunity to witness to people and share the Good News.
We can do our ministry because of your unconditional love for our Lord Jesus Christ and for us, as well. Talsi Christian School wouldn’t exist without your prayers and support. We pray may God keep the doors of our School open, may we have finances to pay teachers salaries and monthly bills... If God wills TCS will celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2010. It is a miracle that God has brought us this far... Thank you for being such faithful prayer worriers and supporters of our Ministry!
May God richly and abundantly bless you! Merry Christmas!
With Jesus’ love -
Greetings to you in very special Easter Season! Jesus said: „I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25 It is joy to know that we who believe in Jesus will live with Him forever. It is wonderful to teach the real meaning of Easter to students of Talsi Christian School!
Couple months have passed by since our last newsletter. We have survived winter and it is still not over – when I am writing this letter it is snowing again. It is beauty of Latvia that we have all 4 seasons but sometimes winters get to long and cold.
2 more months and school year will be over. God has been so good to us. Our students are working hard to improve their grades. Our goal this year is to finish school year with no unavailing grades for students. Actually it is not that easy because our students honestly say that they are spending so much time at TV and computer that they have no time for homework... But we are proud that our students participate in different subject contests in regional and national level with great success.
We continue our ministries and it is good to see that our students learn how to be Jesus’ hands and feet and serve others. For years we have a partnership with Kakishi orphanage. These kids always participate in the Orphan camp and now we invite them to our school to have fellowship. Our 8 graders bake pizzas, organize games and we all have great time together sharing love and joy God give to us.
We still invite special needs children to TCS and it is great time not only to have fellowship but to share about Jesus through prayers and crafts. This ministry is important to our students because they learn to help and serve.
TCS have developed long term relationship with retired and handicapped people from our town and area. We invite them for a meal and program. These people are very poor and lonely. Serving them reminds us that old days come for everyone and it is sad that many of them don’t know Jesus. They lived in Soviet times when God’s word was prohibited and they lived their lives basically being atheists. In Christian school we pray, share about Jesus and give our testimonies hoping that God’s Spirit will touch their hearts. Many of these old people admit that they don’t feel so welcome and loved in any other place. Our students are those who make a difference in these people’s lives...
Life in Latvia is very unstable right now. Global economical crises influence all aspects of life in Latvia. Actually our country is facing bankruptcy because our politicians have misappropriated all the money our country had. Our politicians helped Europe Union to destroy Latvian farmers, fishermen and national industry; so for right now Latvia has no foundation to start any manufacturing and global market is frozen anyway. Companies go bankruptcy, people are losing their jobs, and they can’t pay for their homes. And government says the most difficult months are still ahead of us.
In January Ministry of Education reduced the subsidy for private schools for 26%. I had to cut teachers’ salaries just to keep school going. Many parents can’t pay for school because they lost their jobs... Thousands are leaving Latvia for Ireland, England, Norway, and Spain willing to work for the lowest pay but just to have a job. People feel very lost and unsecure in Latvia. We pray may people turn back to God because He is the only one who can secure the future and give peace in the worse circumstances. It is amazing how hardened people’s hearts are... They try everything they can to solve their problems and they can’t but when you tell them about Jesus they wouldn’t listen either...
But we as believers must keep praying, serving, witnessing and do our ministry God entrusted us with. During the spring break we will have a Christian Leadership conference for high school students of TCS. Brent and Karen Cooper; Mike and Joetta Cummings from Lamar Baptist Church of Arlington TX and Scott and Carol Crain from 1st Baptist Church of Durant OK will be leaders and teachers in the conference. We must teach our youth Principles of Christian Business Leadership and Ethics, and it is good that real Christian businessmen can share their knowledge and experience.
Also we are planning annual Christian Youth camp ( June 26-July 2nd) and Orphan camp (July 12 – 17). If you would like to join the team, please, contact Brent Cooper for Youth camp (Brent.Cooper@cooperscully.com) and Bro. Eric Dennis from Crossroads Baptist church Madill, OK for youth camp (ericdennis2@yahoo.com).
Our family will be going to USA on April 18- May 18. We will be visiting churches sharing about Talsi Christian School and God’s work in Latvia through our Ministry. Our family is doing fine, praise the Lord! Our eldest daughter Zane will graduate from East Texas Baptist University in May; Elina just turned 20 years old. After the graduating from TCS she joined YWAM training school and finished it this month. Now Elina is volunteering at school – she is a person of duty. She likes children and she is happy to be a part of school’s staff. Yanis (14) is in 8th grade. He loves playing basketball and makes good grades at school though I have to fight his computer time, too.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! There are no words to express our thankfulness for your prayers and support to TCS! Because of you we can teach our children about God, have school with high educational standards, pay salaries to our teachers and staff and pay monthly bills. Because of you we can serve children and adults in needs. Thank you for being a part of Talsi Christian School! We don’t know what future brings but we know that we must live”making the most of our time because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:16. Our students made Easter cards for you and we hope you like them.
Please, keep Talsi Christian School and our trip to the States in your prayers. If God leads you to support our Ministry, please, send the check to 4:13 Ministry that oversees our funds in USA. May God bless and protect you! Happy Easter to you and your loved ones!
With Jesus’ love –
It has been looooong time since the last Newsletter from Talsi Christian school (March 2008) So many things have happened and I praise God for all of them.
One of the most significant events of the last school year was 12 th grade graduation. I believe the graduation of child makes every parent's heart happy. Maris and I were not only happy. We were blessed and so thankful to God that He allowed us to experience it! Graduation is different in Latvia . We have big in commemoration of graduates with all teachers, parents, relatives and guests who congratulate the graduate. When Elina walked to receive the graduation certificate, time stopped to me and in couple seconds I remembered Elina's life starting with 1990 when she was a baby and diagnosed with brain tumor, became handicapped and was put to death sentence at the age of six because tumor was malignant… How I turned my life to God asking Him to save Elina's life promising to serve Jesus… How we started Talsi Christian school back in 1995 giving education opportunity to handicapped children …How God grew the school and made it the place of ministry as well…I remembered lives touched and changed for Jesus because of this ministry and my heart was overflowing with thankfulness to all of you because without your prayers and support Talsi Christian school would have to close its doors long time ago… And so Elina received her graduation certificate and a lot of flowers from people who love her. It was a star moment for her – Elina had worked so hard in her studies even she didn't have to follow the regular high school program (Elina still has some learning difficulties) and she was one of the few young people in Latvia who in spite of her disability and learning difficulties could graduate from high school.
Right after the graduation we had our traditional Orphan camp. It was the largest camp ever – there were about 110 people total. American team from New Beginnings Baptist church in Longview , TX (pastor Bro. Dick Stagner) and Croassroads Baptist church from Madill , OK (pastor Bro. Eric Dennis) were part of the Orphan camp and did wonderful job working with orphans and children from socially handicapped families. During the camp there was also a dental ministry provided by Dr. Bob Davis from Longview and Dr. White from Big Sandy– everybody who needed got dental care free. It was great blessing because in generally people in Latvia have bad teeth and majority of population can't afford professional dental care. One of the biggest surprises to me was that kids though they are grown keep coming back for these camps… Boys from Ventspils Orphanage (some of them are already 18, 19,20 years old) told me that the camp is the most significant event of the year for them because they feel welcome and loved here… Many kids got saved and we are already looking forward to the camp in next summer.
About week later we had Christian Youth camp. A team from Lamar Baptist church in Arlington TX was a part of the camp and Bro. Bruce Schmidt, Billy Hirth and Brent Cooper were teachers in the camp. Our youth need good Christian teaching, they have to grow spiritually, they have to learn how to evangelize and at last – they have to have young Christian people fellowship… It was all provided in the camp. Since there are only about 3% practicing Christians in Latvia, it is so important that we raise Christian leaders – they will be ones who will carry further new established Christian heritage in our country because 50 years under communism destroyed it almost completely….
Shortly after youth camp my 3 children and I went to Liepaja were we were part of Street kids' camp in Naval Port. This camp was put together by 1 st Baptist Church of Longview, TX (Pastor Bro. Tim Watson) and Buckner ministry. It was blessing to serve there as interpreter (the kids were mainly Russians) and actually to see the very dark side of childhood of so many children of Latvia … We were sowing seeds in children's hearts praying and hoping that God will grow them and one day we would see the fruit…
Another camp was our annual teachers' camp. Every year in August we hold a weeklong camp where teachers and staff of TCS get spiritual and professional training. Our teachers were Mike and Joetta Cummings and Dee Robinson from Lamar Baptist church. It was great time together sharing love and prayers, studying Bible, having fun and building stronger team of TCS for the next school year.
And now the new school year has started. On the 1 st of September we had wonderful church service at Talsi Baptist church and now we have been working already for a week. We are looking forward to great year though we will face several big challenges. The first is School's accreditation Sept. 22 nd – 26 th when government experts come to inspect every area of the school. Since our students have great academic success (the results are way above the average results in the region and country) we know that the question is not to pass accreditation. But we want to represent our school on the most excellent level and we want boldly witness to experts of what God has done for us and what God has allowed us to achieve. We pray may the accreditation would be life changing experience for the experts when they hear the Good News and see that God is real and in action! Please, join us in prayer for that!
Another challenge will be the old one simply surviving this school year… The budget deficit of TCS is close to $ 300 000.00 this year. Our country is in economical trouble, government raises up teachers' salaries because of the 18% inflation; praises of fuel, gas, food, medicine, electricity has grown over 50 – 75%... People don't know how to survive and they are panicking because we will face cold and severe winter… Because government has proclaimed austerity measures they are not going to increase the amount of the subsidy for teacher salaries for private schools, so this is the main reason why TCS has this terrible budget deficit.
But I am not panicking. Talsi Christian school belong to God. He has been faithful and has shown His mercy to us in the most hopeless situations. If God will I'll be in the States in October 11 th - November 17 th . The greatest need for TCS is to establish a large base of regular support on monthly bases. On my last 2 trips we have started working on that and God has blessed us with faithful supporters. I am sending this Newsletter to everyone I know; I have met on my trips or to who have been to Latvia and know about TCS… please, prayerfully consider partnering with Talsi Christian School on monthly giving bases. There is a bank draft form included in the envelope and if God lead you to help us financially, please, fill the form and send it to 4:13 Ministries. The funds of TCS are kept in the bank in USA and over looked by the board of 4:13 Ministries, working together with Lamar Baptist church. So, one of the goals of my trip is to enlarge the base of monthly supporters of TCS. Other goal is to establish endowment like schools and universities in USA do. It seems so impossible goal to me but our God make impossible things possible… and there might be a newsletter when I tell you that even this goal is reached!!!!
And at last about our family. Zane goes through her last year of college at ETBU, Yanis is 14 and he is in 8 th grade. Elina hopes to go to local YWAM School for next 7 months if her health condition allows it. About 2 weeks ago she got very sick – couldn't walk without falling down, started seem double. She was in the hospital in Riga but doctors couldn't find what was wrong with her… The good news is: tumor is not coming back! But she has epilepsy seizures and we'll see how it goes. Thank you so much for your prayers for Elina. Her unexpected sicknesses thought me appreciate more what God had given me already. I realized that Elina's health condition can become worse any minute… and what a blessing it is to have her like she was…
Maris sister Gunita (I wrote about her car accident in my last newsletter) past away in July. It was all very sad but the good news is that 3 weeks before she died she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. I had a privilege to lead her to the Lord. It was in the small room in the local hospital. Zane was there and Maris' mum. Thank you again for all your prayers – God answers them!
Thank you so much for being part of Talsi Christian School ! I praise God for all of you! And I pray the richest blessings upon you! Please, keep Talsi Christian School and my trip to USA in your prayers - may God lead me to people and churches He want s me to see and visit. If you know a church or place I could go and share about TCS ministry, please, let me know - my schedule is still in the process. ( tks@talsi.teliamtc.lv ; ingunatks@yahoo.com) or call me – 011-371-29412565 (cell) or 011-371-63231530 (home). In the States I can be reached by cellphone: (214) 908-0946 .
With Jesus' love,
Principal of Talsi Christian school
Greetings to you from Talsi Christian school! January is almost over, time runs so fast and I afraid if I am not writing the Newsletter NOW, it will be Easter when you get my New Year newsletter.
When I look back to year 2007 I praise God for all the blessings He has poured out on Talsi Christian school; for answered prayers and miracles He allowed us to be a part of. When I look forward to year of 2008 I already thank God for all the wonderful things He has in His store for us.
I want this Newsletter to be a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness and I want to encourage you to trust our Lord no matter what happen. Because He is always faithful; we are the ones who sometimes loose courage and focus .
In Latvia new school year starts on the 1 st of September. Talsi Christian school had a very good start – all teachers and staff members were in place, there were 204 students grades from 1-12 and we all were looking forward to great year. But on the first week of October I received a letter from the Ministry of Education that the government of Latvia was radically reducing the subsidy for teachers' salaries for private schools. It was because of government's inflation abatement program. Economical situation in Latvia was critical - inflation was 13,6%, medical people went on strike, there were several big manifestations where thousands of people expressed their protest against the politics of our government. To “save their skin” government rose up the salaries for teachers and other low paid people. I did the same for the teachers and staff of TCS but the subsidy didn't cover the raise. Because of the inflation the prices of heating fuel, electricity and other household expanses went straight up and when I pulled the budget numbers together the deficit was $ 156.000.00 for the school year.
I was panicking. Talsi Christian school does not have savings; we basically survive from a month to month. I called teachers and staff together, presented the numbers and explained that from economical and reality standpoint the existence of Talsi Christian school is in danger.
We had only one hope – we started praying to our Lord Jesus Christ. We prayed might Jesus would take care of this situation and show us His will for TCS. I went to the States praying may God open doors for me to go and share about TCS; may God talk to people's hearts and they would help Talsi Christian school to survive.
It was an amazing mission trip! Full of adventures and new experiences and FULL of unbelievable God's blessings! God led me to Oklahoma and Texas ; I visited about 17 churches and met wonderful people. Each meeting was very special and I can't name the one and leave out the other. But you who read this newsletter, please, know that I lift you up with a prayer and thankfulness because through you God showed me His unconditional love and care for the ministry of Talsi Christian school.
Praise the Lord; we raised enough money to survive the school year! And even more! Starting with January 2008 Talsi Christian School is debt FREE!!! Back in 2005 when we were building the handicapped accessible high school building and gym I had to take $ 200.000.00 loan in the bank to finish the project. In order to do that I had to mortgage the existing school and my home because I couldn't present the “normal” business plan to the bank. When banker asked me: “what are your resources to pay the principal and interest back to the bank?” I answered: “unlimited but they all belong to God…” He didn't think it was smart but for some reason bank gave us the loan. It was great burden to TCS knowing that if we miss the payment or can't pay – bank gets it ALL…
There is a family in Oklahoma who owns a business. God allowed us to meet about 2 years ago. I shared my testimony; told about TCS and since then this family became faithful supporters of TCS. God put the burden of debt in their hearts and they helped TCS to get rid of that. The last time we met in December and they asked us to pray for their business. They said if God allowed them to sell their business they would write a check to pay off the rest of the debt. Shortly before the New Year I got e-mail from the family: check has been sent to Lamar Baptist church! I wish you could see the happy faces of people at TCS when I shared the news: shouting reached the sky.
Through these wonderful things God strengthened all of us so much and we pray may God continue to use TCS according with His will and purpose. Of course we teach children solid academics but it is great joy to see that our students become spiritually mature and they are ready to reach out for others. And it is great to see the fruit of our ministry – Laura Dzelzs who was our student is a missionary in Afghanistan. Our teacher Kristina and graduate Aldis every summer are going to Bashkiria that is a muslim part of Russia. I am so proud of these young people that they are obedient to God's command and I am so thankful to God that He choused Talsi Christian school to be a part of His Great Commission.
I am planning my next trip to the States March 20 th – May 5 th . There are several goals we need to accomplish to secure the financial stability of Talsi Christian school. We would like to establish a regular monthly support base for TCS from churches, Sunday school classes, businesses and individuals and we would like to create an Endowment for TCS. Please, join us in prayer for this trip; may God lead my daughter Elina and me to places He want us to go and for the security of the trip.
Please, pray for the Orphan camp (June 22 – 27) and Youth camp (July 6 – 11). New Beginnings Baptist church from Longview , TX and Crossroads Baptist Church , Madill , OK are putting a team together for the Orphan camp and Lamar Baptist church from Arlington , TX will lead the team for the Youth camp. If you feel called to join one of the teams you are welcome to contact bro. Dick Stagner (the pastor of NBBC) dstagner@nbbctx.org about the orphan camp or Brent Cooper: brent.cooper@cooperscully.com about the Youth camp.
At last I would like to share about new ministry God allowed us to become a part of. Back in 1997 dramatic tragedy happened in Talsi. During the town celebration about 30 people (mainly kids) were put in the fire truck basket and lifted up high. The basket broke and all people fell on the ground. 8 kids were killed immediately. One was 10 years old girl from TCS. Those who survived became handicapped with a different level of handicapped. The boy named Andris was 13 and after the accident he became severe handicapped. He has been in wheelchair since then, lost his ability to speech, move his hands and legs. His physical condition has improved a little. The young man was looking for a school and society. Since he is 23 he can't go to any public school and public schools are not wheelchair accessible anyway. Finally his mum came to TCS looking for some kind of help. Our teachers now voluntary are teaching Andris 2 times a week in afternoons when he is brought to school. He studies 6 th grade program but his mum said that Andris has gained back joy and purpose in his life now. We pray for the time when Andris receives Jesus in his heart. Please, pray for Andris, too.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Thank you again and again for being a part of Talsi Christian school! Without your prayers, love and support our ministry wouldn't exist. We love you so much and we praise God for you!
May God bless and protect you!
Love and prayers,
, the principal of Talsi Christian school.
Please, contact me via e-mail: tks@talsi.teliamtc.lv or ingunatks@yahoo.com
phone: 011-371- 632 21530 (home) 011-371- 29 412565 (cell)
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! This morning I woke up and knew – I MUST write a Newsletter to you sharing of all the blessings we have received this summer.
In the beginning I have to tell you that Talsi Christian school has successfully finished its 12th year of existence. On June 16th we had the 12th grade graduation. Since I was the 12th graders' homeroom teacher as well, it was very special ceremony to me personally. Back in 1995 when we started Talsi Christian school today's 12th graders were 1st graders. I remember how thankful I was to the parents who decided to send their children to new just founded school. Latvia had just gotten back its independence from the communist regime. Christianity was a completely new concept for 3 generations raised under soviets. And here I was – a new born Christian for 3 years; having very little clue of what I am doing; invited parents to send their little 7 years old to the 1st grade. When they asked me about the future of TCS only thing I could say was: “It's in God's hands…”
When saying that I didn't realize how truthful it is. I could never imagine that God wants us to have a full high school; have Orphan camps, Youth camps, teachers camps, start children's church services, teach Sunday school in local Orphanage, work with handicapped children and adults of our area, changing the attitude of the city government towards handicapped people in our society generally; training our youth to become Christian leaders… If only I would have know… I would have be scared to death to start the school…This is why it is great “ not to know the times or the dates the Father has set by its own authority” (Acts 1:7).
Today I can only praise my Heavenly Father that He allowed me to be a part of life changing ministry called Talsi Christian School. 4 kids that started TCS in 1995 as first graders, graduated TCS high school - Ieva, Eduards, Yanis and Liva have become godly young people who know the Lord and they want to serve Him. Not only were Ieva and Eduards the best students in their class; they also want to continue their education in Missionary training school. This is the greatest blessing to see that Talsi Christian school fulfills the Great Commission: “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Math. 28: 19). And all the rest of my 12th graders who joined TCS later know the Lord and my prayer is may they allow God to use them as witnesses and servants wherever they continue their education.
God continued to poor out His blessings on us through Orphan camp and Youth camp. TCS started Orphan camps in summer of 1996. Actually it happened like this. The team from America (The Edmonds family from Green Acres Baptist church of Tyler TX and 6 ladies from New Beginnings Baptist church of Longview TX) came to Latvia and thought us how to do Orphan camps – it was completely new experience for us. Since then New Beginnings became part of TCS. Next summer they came back for the Orphan camp and remodeling of TCS building. This summer God brought them back again. Bro. Dick Stagner; Bo Sheridan, Cody Terry, Tammy Whitehurst, Kalee Gill, Hanna Reagh, Misty Pope, Emily Antido, Hailea Gipe, Leigha Sheridan, Ashley Alm are from New Beginnings Baptist Church and Dennis family (Bro. Eric, his wife LeaAnn, sons Chase and Decoda and nephew Shiloh) from Crossroads Baptist Church Madill, OK were wonderful godly people who made the Orphan camp a life changing experience for our children and youth of TCS. 5 days of love, care, smiles, hugs, prayers, games, Bible reading, church services, dramas, cook –out, climbing 9 hills of Talsi, crafts, letters, sports, quoting Bible verses by heart (and being serious about it!); eating soup and potatoes, potatoes and soup and sleeping on the floor no matter of age and status – doesn't it sound like a lot of FUN…?! I was happily surprised that many kids from previous camps wanted to come back; even the boys ages 16-19. You better believe, in their age living in the orphanage (or in alcoholic homes) they have seen it all – ruddiness, hate, luck of love, beating, drinking, drugs, sex, abuse – EVERYTHING. When kids shared their stories at night with their group leaders they were heartbreaking…And though – kids want to come back to Christian camp, learning about Jesus and actually experience different reality – love through people who love God… Thanks go to Our Lord Jesus who changes people's hearts!
In my previous Newsletters I shared with you about my dream to start the Youth camp to teach and encourage youth of TCS in their walk with God. Many students of TCS do not come from Christian homes; some of them are laughed at because they come to TCS… We all know that “faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17), so I was praying for good teachers and youth from the States who would serve in TCS youth camp. It was June already and the family who were supposed to be leaders of the camp and were in charge of putting a team together called me and because of unpredictable circumstances they weren't able to come for the camp. … From practical standpoint camp seemed impossible – Americans are busy people and they plan their summer long time ahead… We started praying… In a week there was a team from Lamar Baptist Church, Arlington TX and young man from East Texas Baptist University, Marshall TX ready to come, teach and serve… Brent and Karen Cooper, their niece Jennifer with her friend Linzi, Billy Hurth and his son Justin, Troy Thomas (from Lamar) and Jeffrey Staples from ETBU – God put together a PERFECT team to accomplish His purpose. We started days with devotionals, had teaching sessions in mornings and afternoons and worship services at nights. One of the biggest challenges for TCS youth was to go out on streets in afternoons and pass out flyers inviting people for the evening worship services at TCS. It was big step out of their comfort zone because Latvians are very distanced and reserved towards strangers. And Christians are still taken as “strange birds” in our society…
God did amazing things! Students' hearts were so opened to Brent's and Billy's teaching – how to become a good disciple, how to evangelize, how to live godly life and make choices God honors and bless… Students had so many questions… My heart was blessed when my son Yanis (12 – he was the youngest one in the camp) honestly said that after Brent's lecture he understood that when he would start dating, he will try to do it right… The lectures made our youth think and evaluate their lives and choices they have made… and will make…
And worship services were wonderful! Every night we had more and more people show up and there were some who came because they were invited by our youth on the street! God blessed our youth allowing them to see the fruit of their obedience! Troy preached great sermons; our youth had wonderful worship music, after the service we served refreshments and our gym was opened for games and sports to everyone…
All I can say – it is joy and privilege to serve our Lord and Savior! I am so THANKFUL to everyone who came for the Orphan camp and Youth Camp. These servants of Christ sacrificed their time, money and comfort to come to our country to share Jesus' love with the people of Latvia. They all could do something else but they were obedient to God's call. And they made a difference in our lives.
But you know what? It wouldn't be possible without all of you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! All these years TCS can exist and do its ministries only because of your unconditional love, prayers and support. Yes, camps were spiritual mountaintop but to have those we had to pay for the food, transportation, music instruments and sound system. The new bleachers in the gym helped with organizing the kids in camps… It all cost money and it came from YOUR donations… The good news is that no one is more important than other in God's body and please, accept my deepest thank you to all of you for being a part of Talsi Christian school in a way God called you to be!
Just before Youth camp started I received news that a lady from Tyler TX donated $ 25 000,00 to cut short schools' debt in bank. I was stunned of God's goodness and faithfulness – School's debt is still $ 75,000,00 but it was $ 200,000,00 in September of 2005 when we had to finish the handicapped accessible gym and high school.
The summer is almost over. We still look forward to the 3rd camp of this summer – the teachers' camp. Mike and Joetta Cummings (from Lamar) are arriving this week and they will be teachers there. Not only students of TCS but also teachers and workers need spiritual encouragement and teaching. God has given great responsibility to us – to teach children about Him, we must grow spiritually as well. This is what the camp will be about. And again – we can have this camp because your donations will cover the cost of housing, food and transportation. Thank you again!
I am planning my next trip to the States in the fall – November 15th – to December 17th. I will be visiting churches and individuals sharing about TCS ministries and vision. Please, pray for TCS, new school year that starts on the 1st of September and my trip to the States. If you know the places I could visit, please, let me know may I could schedule them.
I praise God already for all the wonderful things He will do through you!
May God richly bless all and every one of you! We love you dearly!
With Jesus' love